Least
Terns (LETE)
As of April 1st 2008, there is no Terns on the Island. Enjoy some photos from last year until the Terns come home to nest!!
The Least Tern is the only Tern that nests on North Beach. Most colonies appear quickly, and disappear even quicker.
This year may be different. I look forward to finding out. Stay
tuned.
Common Terns and Roseate Tern will visit the island late in the nesting season after they have nested. We will sometime enjoy their young, resting and feeding as they get ready to migrate south with their parents.
Common terns enjoy nesting on open beaches, while the Roseate like to hide under structures, Maybe this year we'll put out some structures and see if we get any takers.
Click to learn more about efforts to help the Common and Roseate
The least tern is North America's smallest tern. It measures 9 inches (23 cm) long and has a 20-inch (51 cm) wingspread. The bird's size and white forehead on its otherwise black cap are two of its best distinguishing characteristics.
Other identifying marks are its black-tipped yellow bill, gray upperparts, white under parts and a short, forked tail.
Weighing only an ounce (28 grams), this bird's appearance and habits have given rise to many nicknames, including "little striker" and "sea swallow."
Sexes look identical, although females are slightly smaller. Juveniles have a black bill, a grayish crown and a black line of feathers running back from the eye.
It's Voice is Sharp killick or kip-kip-kip-kiddeek. Most often seen hovering over the water, the Least Tern peers downward in search of small minnows and other marine or freshwater organisms.
